Machias Suspect was Intoxicated When Arrested for Shootings

A Machias man suspected in a shooting spree that left three people dead and one injured was twice over the legal limit of intoxication when he was arrested.

Thomas Bonfanti was arrested for operating under the influence three days before his alleged shooting spree. Two of the man's friends told the BDN, it was the first time he'd had a drink in at least six months. The arresting officer said he witnessed Bonfanti's vehicle being driven erratically after receiving a 911 call about a possible drunk driver. When he waved Bonfanti to the side of the road, the vehicle took a corner too wide and hit a curb before stopping. The 63-year-old Northfield man failed a breathalyzer test and was booked, but allowed to make bail. The officer said he didn't seem like a threat, at the time. He was just a guy who had too much to drink.

Three days later, Bonfanti was arrested at the Machias American Legion Hall, with a blood-alcohol level of 0.19. The legal limit for driving is 0.08. He's suspected of fatally shooting 57-year-old Shawn Currey of Machias, 33-year-old Samuel Powers of Jonesboro, and 49-year-old Jennifer Bryant-Flynn of Machias. Wounded in the attack was 49-year-old Regina Long, who was shot at the home she shares with Currey. At last report, she was in serious condition at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

Bonfanti is currently being held without bail, charged with three counts of murder and one count of elevated aggravated assault.